Hey, everyone. Before we get into today's episode, I wanted to insert a quick disclaimer. Today's topic includes mature themes, touching on domestic violence, assault, and substance abuse. That said, today's episode is not intended for all audiences, and listeners discretion is advised. Thank you for your understanding. And without further ado, let's go ahead and get into the episode. When speaking in terms of the paranormal, the word
demonic has quite the connotation. I mean, not only has it been the inspiration behind countless horror stories and Hollywood blockbuster films. The idea of a beast, sent to haunt us from the depths of hell, is truly the stuff of nightmares. Now when I was a kid, the concept of demonic possession was 1 that I found to be of the utmost terror. Yes, even then, at far too young an age, I had a morbid sense of curiosity for the
subject. But that doesn't change the fact That stories of demonic foes, quite literally, scared the living daylights out of me. That said, as I got older, that fear Courtney of fell to the wayside, becoming second to another type of demon. 1 that's much more common, and a whole lot more nightmarish, than some hellacious, though elusive beast.
You see, I think we can all admit, even if it's only from the comfort of your car on the way to work, or from the privacy of a microscopic speaker currently resting in your ears, Many of us are haunted by the beasts of our own minds. Let's face it. In today's modern world, there are far too few who are not grappling with thoughts of self doubt, anxiety, or depression. Intrusive ideas that we can't help but pick at until they've taken possession of our inner
peace. Which just goes to show that sometimes our own demons are much more frightening than the ones depicted in our favorite horror film. But what happens if those lines were to somehow converge? If our demons decided to vacate the shadows of our minds and latch on to the midway point between our world and the ether? Would we know then what we know now? That the less we engage with 1 of these intruders, the less likely it is to hold power over
us. Or would we still pick at it and let it fester, until it takes on a life of its own? I'm Courtney Hayes, and you're listening to haunts. Stay tuned. If we're being honest, the world had never been especially kind to Doris Pither. According to 1 of my Courtney, at least, she had endured hardship from a very young age. In fact, she was forced, or perhaps fled, from her childhood home when she was just a girl.
And by the time she was in her teens, she found herself gripped within the confines of an abusive relationship. It was a prison of both the body and the mind. 1 that Doris ultimately escaped. Though not without a certain level of pain and trauma, that only a bottle seemed to numb. Still, as they say, life went on. And by the 19 seventies, Doris was the single mother to 4 children. A daughter, no more than 6 years old, along with 3 sons, ages 10, 13, and 16.
Suffice it to say, life for Doris Bither was hectic and often turbulent. But with little time she did get to herself, she spent developing a keen interest in, you guessed it, the paranormal. Like many of us, Doris could often be found researching the supernatural. And on more than a few occasions, she actually tried to, well, contact the great beyond. Oh, and apparently, she had been quite successful in that venture. Though not without a great, personal cost.
Perhaps it was for that reason, that Doris found herself interjecting into a conversation between 2 strangers. There, from the now very crowded aisle of a bookstore, surrounded by the work of countless writers and storytellers, Doris Bither spun a tale that sounded almost too bizarre to be true. And yet, it was just intriguing enough to captivate the minds of these strangers, who, as it just so happened, knew a thing or 2 about these so called inner demons and their connection to the other side.
I can imagine there was a touch of doubt, even as they sat there listening to Doris's story on that hot afternoon in the summer of 1974. I mean, doctor Barry Taff was well versed in the paranormal, even that early on in his career. Not to mention that his companion, Carrie Gaynor, was well on the way to being a well respected professional in the space of hypnotherapy.
In other words, together, Taff and Gainor had let's call it specialized training that allowed them to separate paranormal phenomena from psychosomatic stressors, which is why they were a bit skeptical of Doris when she approached them in the bookstore that afternoon. Still, her story was enough to pique their curiosity.
I mean, how could it not? Between allegations of spectral attacks targeting several members of the family and claims of supposed poltergeist activity, I think that any 1 of us would have been at least intrigued. So even in spite of their inhibitions, doctor Barry Taft and Carrie Gaynor made arrangements to investigate Is claims further. And on the afternoon of August 22nd 1974, they found themselves on the front doorstep of the Bither residence. Now, I
won't lie. From the moment they set foot inside, Taff and Gaynor were surrounded by the aftermath of Doris's ongoing hardships. The home was in a state of cluttered disarray, and as the interview went on, it was obvious that Doris had a strained relationship with her children. To make matters worse, Taff got the distinct impression that the woman was withholding information from the investigators. He didn't think she was outright lying, at least not yet. But at the same time, the minor details
of Doris' story just weren't adding up. Which, of course, was cause for concern, as well as skepticism. So when he pressed her for more information, he wasn't surprised that her story changed. Although he was caught off guard, when her accounts took on a whole new light. 1 that was so unbelievably vile, that it stretched beyond even the most nefarious of nightmares. The more doors opened up to Taff and Gainer, the more obvious it became that she hadn't been 100% honest with
them that afternoon in the bookstore. Sure, it was true. That she and her children were being tormented by something. But that torment wasn't isolated to poltergeist activity, or even to a series of spectral attacks for that matter. Instead, the claims Doris made throughout the course of the interview were disturbing and more than a bit graphic. So if you'd like to skip ahead a bit, now's the time. So Doris claimed, she was being haunted by not 1, not
2, but 3 distinct entities. The likes of which had evidently assaulted her sexually, leaving her body blackened and bruised on multiple occasions. Now, I know that claim might be a bold 1 to make, which is exactly why Taff and Gainer remained skeptical throughout the course of the interview. But it's worth mentioning that Doris hadn't been the only 1 to bear witness to these attacks. In fact, Doris's neighbors later testified that they had seen 3 apparitions
lurking about the exterior of the Bithar residence. Not to mention that, at least on 1 occasion, Doris's son had attempted to defend his mother from these supernatural assailants, only to be thrown clear across the room, by an unseen force. Okay. So saying that last part out loud, I can see where their doubt may have been coming from. I mean, this was far beyond the work of your regular, run of the mill Host, Which meant that Doris Bither was being haunted by something inhuman.
Or perhaps is was just the opposite. Maybe this so called demon had been purely of the mind, sent to torment Doris from somewhere within herself. Now, at least in Taft's opinion, that only made sense. After years of hardship and an ongoing history of domestic violence, it seemed to him that Doris's inner demons would take on a similar shape, continuing to torment her in a manner that almost seemed otherworldly.
Still, it was hard to say for certain, 1 way or the other. But with that theory in mind, Taff and Gainer felt a certain level of responsibility to take action against whatever Doris had been experiencing. So they called in reinforcements. Set up an array of equipment around the home. And somehow, against all odds and doubts, the investigators managed to capture her ghostly attackers in the act. By now, you guys know that I'm a sucker, for a case with
a bit of nuance. That I, like many of you, am fascinated with wild, if even unbelievable claims of paranormal activity, accompanied by evidence that makes me doubt my own skepticism. Which is more or less exactly why I was drawn to the story of Doris Bither in the first place. Sure, her accounts are almost too disturbing to believe. Almost, but not entirely unbelievable. Especially considering the evidence that Taff and Gainer collected before all was said and done.
Let me set the scene for you. At some point, in the weeks following that initial interview, Taff and Gainer returned to the Bitha residence, with a team of roughly 30 investigators. Now, keep in mind, this was a small house, becoming even more cramped as the investigation team filed inside. No doubt filling the place with an influx of nervous energy. But even as chaotic as things were, the team did their best to document the activity as it began to unfold.
At 1 point during the investigation, for instance, Doris began to cry out in terror, claiming that a Spectre was standing mere inches from her face, as if taunting her. Of course, no 1 in the room aside from Doris could see this apparition. But that didn't stop investigators from snapping a few pictures in an effort to document the event. And what they found, once those images were developed, was actually quite bizarre.
You see, many of the photographs were entirely oversaturated, as if the shutter was exposed to a bright flash of light at the precise moment the photo was taken, which was odd, but generally speaking, likely could have been attributed to some sort of camera malfunction. That said, there was 1 photo that, when developed, documented another anomaly, the likes of which were a bit more difficult to
explain away. The image in question depicts Doris sitting alone on her bed, with the investigation team circled around her. Then up above, sort of arching over Doris, was a band of white light. Now, I'll be Host. Doctor Barry Taaffe remained resolute in his doubt, even when faced with this photograph. So much so that he researched and theorized a few different explanations that may serve to debunk this photo, as well as
Doris's claims. That said, I'd like for you to form your own opinions when it comes to the evidence, as well as the story as a whole. So take a moment to pause this episode and go check out the photograph in the show notes section at hotscast.com. Don't worry. I'll be here when you get back. Okay. So this story, and the evidence as I've presented it to you thus far, might feel a bit overwhelming. I mean, it's terrifying enough to picture anyone as the victim in a
spectral assault. But to mix in photo evidence, along with Taft's hefty dose of skepticism, well, it all starts to feel a bit much. That said, I too, found myself wondering whether a story like this could actually be true. On the 1 hand, I want to believe Doris Bither's Haunts. Because, honestly, after all the hardships she had endured, why would she make something like this up? But, on the other hand, I have to admit that Taff presented some sound arguments that appeal to my sense of logic and
reason. So is we close out today's episode, I hope you'll forgive me for casting a bit of doubt into your mind. Let's start with the photograph. I'm sure by looking at it, you can see why many of the investigators felt that the anomaly was paranormal in nature. With the arching band practically enveloping Doris in light, it's hard not to see this image as anything other than what it is. Eerie.
Well, that is until you're presented with Taft's theory, which claims that the band of light was actually a strand of hair stuck to the camera's lens. Now that claim might also sound like a bit of a stretch, made in a desperate attempt to discredit Doris and her experiences. But it's worth mentioning that Taft did attempt to recreate the anomaly using a strand of hair. And I have to admit, the photos themselves look undeniably similar. Still, that
alone doesn't debunk this haunting as a whole. I mean, if anything, Taff only succeeded in discrediting his own evidence. Right? Well, maybe so. But that doesn't change the fact that Taff remained skeptical well after the investigation came to a close. Years passed and, allegedly, Doris continued to experience strange activity, while simultaneously battling with substance abuse, right up until she passed away from respiratory
issues in 1999. Now, it wasn't Taff and Gainer's professional opinion that Bithers' past hardships, the long history of abuse, mental health struggles and addiction, were ultimately what conjured the demons that seemed to possess her. Of course, at first, that claim sounds like a cheap shot, but bear with me while I put things into perspective. There is a theory in parapsychology, which claims that poltergeist activity actually manifests from the human mind.
We touched on this when we discussed the pauper poltergeist back in episode 40, which I'll have linked down in the show notes. But in case you missed it, the gist of the idea was that our own stressors and anxiety can take on a life of their own and present themselves telekinetically. Meaning that anyone living in a high stress environment or with a history of ongoing trauma might just experience a haunting at the hands of a poltergeist.
That, of course, brings us back to the story of Doris Bither. A young woman, haunted by hardship and spectral foes, that by all accounts were hell bent on making her life a living hell. So Taffyngoehner claimed, that their attackers may have been paranormal, if even demonic is nature. But what they couldn't determine was whether or not those demons had been summoned from the depths of hell, or if they were simply festering in the farthest reaches of Doris's mind.
So, as always, I'll turn things over to you and let you answer this question for yourself. When it comes to our inner demons, to this whole concept of demonic possession, Are these foes really intruders from the great beyond? Or could it be that they are lurking from somewhere within ourselves? Domestic violence is an ongoing epidemic in the United States. Every 9 seconds, a woman becomes the victim of an assault at the hands
of a stranger. While every 24 minutes, an incident of domestic or dating violence takes place. If you or someone you know has been the victim of domestic violence or assault, help is always available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be contacted by phone at 800-799-7233 or via text at 88-788. Please remember, you're not alone. This episode of haunts was written and produced by me, Courtney Hayes. If you've been enjoying the show so far, I would
greatly appreciate it if you could leave us a 5 star review. A lot of work goes into each episode, and reviewing the show really helps us reach more listeners each week. Also, if you're interested in learning more about this week's topic, I greatly encourage you to check out the show notes section at hauntscast.com. This is the location where I share my sources and provide any visual aid that may be referenced for this week's podcast recommendations. Thank you again
for listening. For this week's podcast recommendations. Thank you again for listening. And until next time. Happy haunting. As the moonlight pierces through the dark, paranormal enthusiast and best friends, Farrah and Courtney venture deep into the woods armed with flashlights and a sense of adventure. Farrah, are you sure this is a good idea? Sure. I'm sure. We're paranormal investigators. We're not scared of any ghosts. What was that? Probably some animals. Oh my god.
My flashlight is going out. Following the chilling sounds, the 2 stumble upon an abandoned and haunted building, is dark silhouette looming over them. Look. There it is. The abandoned radio station it's supposed to be mad haunted. Let's be careful. We don't know what's inside. Wow. Look at this place. A long growl is heard coming from
behind the girls. They turn around slowly, and to their surprise, a zombie is standing in front of them dressed to the nines, wearing a seventies bell bottom hot pink and purple leisure suit. Who are you pasty looking females and what the heck are you doing in here? Who are you calling pasty? Nice suit. Did you raid Barry Manilow's wardrobe or did John Travolta have a yard sale? Sorry about that. We didn't mean any harm. We're just curious about this
place. Curious, Well, come with me. I got something to show you. And as they wandered deeper into the building, they uncover vintage studio equipment covered in dust and decay. Farrah, you were looking for a new place to set up your podcast. Right? And this is it. Woah. Woah there, sweet cheeks. No. No. No. Don't worry. We'll make it worth your while. We love the strange and unexplained phenomena, true crime, macabre, and the sinister. And, hey, you'd be a great touch to the show. Maybe be an
announcer for us as well. That does sound stellar. I'm in. A few minutes later. 12 seconds later. 3 weeks later. Many months later. Okay. We're rolling. Welcome to Studio Sinister Podcast where we explore stories that haunt us all. And then we'll go make a fresh kill to celebrate. Dawn. Just kidding. Join Pharah, Courtney, and Dawn the zombie on the first, 10th, 20th of every month for some rad chilling stories. And if you piss your
pants, that's your problem. Come embrace the Haunts. See you soon, sinister seekers. Hey, Paranormies. I'm Britney. And I'm Alexa. And we're the hosts of They Don't Stay Dead. We're a paranormal podcast from Australia and we've made it our mission to share with you all the real life ghost stories and haunted locations from our home, as well as encounters with supernatural beings and reports of unknown
mysteries. From haunted asylums and ghost ships to big cat cryptids and alien encounters, there's something for everyone. We release new episodes every Thursday and you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. Be sure to check out our Instagram at they don't stay dead for weekly updates. We get a little bit spooky and a lot silly, So join us for some laughs and a tale of the unknown. Stay spookyparanormies!